Dermoscopy – 3-Point Dermoscopy Checklist
- Designed for early melanoma detection, especially by non-experts
- High sensitivity for melanoma; useful for identifying lesions needing biopsy
- Less specific than detailed pattern analysis
- Focus is on triage, not definitive diagnosis
- derived from consensus-based expert evaluations, particularly from the Consensus Net Meeting on Dermoscopy (CNMD).
- Main goal: Identify lesions requiring biopsy.
- No need for precise diagnosis—fine lesion features are not required.
- Helps prioritise suspicious lesions for further investigation.
A score of ≥2 suggests a high likelihood of malignancy (melanoma or BCC)
1. Asymmetry
- Asymmetry of colour and/or structure
- Assessed across 1 or 2 perpendicular axes
- Shape is not part of this assessment
2. Atypical Pigment Network
- Network with:
- Irregular holes
- Thick or broadened lines
- Includes streaming or pseudopods
- Not all atypical networks are malignant
3. Blue-White Structures
- Any blue and/or white colouration
- Includes:
- Blue-white veil
- Regression structures
- Colour can be subtle
- Not all lesions with these features are malignant
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- Sensitivity & Specificity: Comparable to expert-based pattern analysis.
- Interobserver Agreement (Kappa values):
- Asymmetry (κ = 0.41)
- Atypical network (κ = 0.45)
- Blue-white structures (κ = 0.51)
